So here, I went on leave just so I can make time for fanfic reading here sa EB and this kasi sobrang miss ko na.

Thank you for your generous comments. I love reading them again and again. (”,)

MERRY CHRISTMAS to EB admin and to EVERYONE!

I hope you’ll like this one.

Author: AttyMayiVR

~*~

PREVIOUSLY on Please Be My Legal Wife – Part 8

When Richard arrived home from his meeting that night, he went straight to the kitchen to get a glass of water. It felt strange that Maya is not in the study, not in the kitchen, not in the veranda or the pool side.

In a short period of time, he has grown accustomed to Maya’s presence in his house and that night, somehow, it didn’t feel right not to feel her there. It simply felt strange not to hear that faint sound of music coming from Maya’s room. This made him wonder what she could be doing that very moment.

Then it just dawned on him. He misses Maya ……… terribly.

**********

Continuation……..

Richard released a sigh of frustration as he tried to brush off thoughts of Maya. He walked towards his home office to work on his laptop, but soon after he saw the main door, visions of what happened behind it early evening flashed in his mind. He couldn’t stop himself from recalling how it felt when Maya fell into his arms. The ant and the elephant…..silly girl! he thought, and shook his head smiling.

Instead of turning right into his office, Richard stepped to the left to head for the stairs. He remembered what Maya once told him, to first change into houseclothes so that he’ll be comfortable and relaxed while working at home.

Later in his home office, Richard realized that he has been sitting and staring at blank space for about an hour without any output. Since when did this chair become uncomfortable? he asked himself. No, maybe it’s the lack of natural air circulation in this room, he assumed. So, he stood up, took his laptop and started to walk to the veranda. When he passed by the study, something lured him to go inside – the white pashmina of Maya that was resting on the sofa where he usually sees her reading a book at night with the pashmina around her shoulders.

Richard immediately went inside, placed the laptop on the coffee table and sat on the sofa. He then lifted the pashmina to his face and got goose bumps all over as he inhaled the scent of Clinique Happy, the perfume Maya was wearing when she fell into his arms earlier. “That’s it!” he said, “I need to sleep this off!”

Saturday was going to be a busy day for Richard. Well, at least that is what and how he planned it to be. He has to make up for the two days that he was at the hangar construction in Clark. But aside from that, he wanted to be occupied with some other things. So, although he did not have enough sleep, Richard was already up early morning. He went down the stairs while putting on his wrist watch, mindful of not wasting any second. Richard went straight to the study to get his laptop, when Manang Fe chanced upon him.

Maya’s naivety and innocence, together with her charm, energy and wit, are so enchanting; she has bewitched not only the Lim kids and the entire household, but Richard as well. Maya and her presence in the mansion have become a habit hard to break….for everyone.

Sunday finally came and it was the children’s turn to wake up early in the morning.

Abby was tasked by her siblings to go to their Dad’s room to wake him up. Slowly, Abby opened the door of Richard’s room and saw her daddy still sleeping. She walked towards him, careful not to make any noise, then she showered kisses all over Richard’s face.

Richard: Good morning Baby! Richard sits up and kisses Abby on her forehead. You’re up so early. You look so pretty! Why are you wearing that dress?

Abby smiles at her dad.She flaunts her dressand byputting her hands together just below her chin, Abby tried to tell Richard that it’s Sunday and they need to go to church to hear mass.

Richard: You want to go to church? Abby gives Richard the thumbs up sign. Where’s Kuya and Ate? Abby points to the door.

Richard: Gising na ba sila? Abby nods.

Richard: Okay Baby, go to Ate and Kuya while I take a shower and change clothes.

When Richard was descending the stairs, he was amazed to see his kids already waiting for him at the dining table for breakfast, all dressed up for Sunday mass.

Richard: Good morning kids.

Luke and Nikki: Good morning Dad!

Richard: You’re all up early.

Luke: Uhm…Dad, this is Abby’s plan. Last night, she showed us her drawing in one of her classes with Tita Maya, and it says there Sunday is family day and the day should start with going to mass.

Nikki: Actually Dad, Abby was so restless and couldn’t sleep last night and she was looking for Tita Maya. So I texted her and right away, she called –

Richard: She called last night?

Nikki: Yes Dad, she called to talk to Abby and she calmed Abby down. Then Abby looked for her drawing and showed us. Tapos kanina she woke us showing her drawing again all dressed up.

Richard: Yes Nikki. This is something inevitable. Sometime, this should happen, and it will happen. I should not stop you from visiting your mom as well. It has been a long time. We…well…I should at least try……Maybe it will do me… do us all good.

Richard saw his kids just looking at him with moist eyes. He knew that Luke and Nikki couldn’t believe that he was opening up, allowing them to see his vulnerability. It was almost an awkward moment for him, yet relieving.

Richard: Uhm….we could go to the mall after? Eat lunch, then watch a movie maybe, or let Abby play in the arcade?

Abby was not the only one who got frantically excited with what Richard just said.

Luke: Really, Dad?!

Richard: Yes! Anyway today is the last day of your vacation. Tomorrow it’s back to school.

Nikki: Oh my gee Dad!

Luke: That would be great, Dad! This is our first after a very long time.

Richard: Yes, son and this will be good for Abby. Maya is right, Sunday should be family day and we should start with hearing mass. We have a lot of things to thank for.

Nikki: Oh my gee, Tita Maya is really an angel!

Richard: Yes, she is…wait…and you really call her Tita Maya?

Nikki: Ah..uhm, yes Dad! And she said it’s perfectly okay with her for as long as it’s okay with you too!

Richard: Okay then, Tita Maya it is.

The kids gave each other a “high five” and after which, Nikki swooned while clapping her hands and Abby made her usual thumbs up sign.

Richard: And what is that all about?

Nikki: Oh nothing Dad. It’s just that we like her so much. Besides, she’s more than just Abby’s tutor…..she’s like family already and it just feel right to call her Tita Maya instead of Teacher Maya….and we are just so ecstatic that you do not have any objections to that.

Richard smiled at her thought and looked at the empty chair where Maya usually sits at meal time with them. Thank you Maya because you simply care for my children’s well being, you are effortlessly helping me bridge the gap we have and make my family whole again.

Nikki: Awwwww, sayang Tita Maya is not here to join us. It’s our last day of vacation pa naman.

Richard: She said she’ll be back around 3:00 o’clock in the afternoon so you can still spend some time together later. So, are you two ready for school tomorrow?

Luke and Nikki: Yes Dad!

Luke: I think this school year will be the best one, Dad!

Nikki: Surely Kuya!

Richard was overjoyed being with his kids at church. He felt light after visiting Alex with them, especially after Abby casually waved at her mother’s grave while smiling. Then at lunch time, Richard went euphoric as he watched his kids eat lunch with delight on their faces while exchanging banters. Quietly he thought, So this is how they are at meal time with Maya. They look so happy, relaxed and free, not afraid to say anything, not scared to make mistakes.

Richard felt uncomfortable being in the arcade. It was too crowded and too noisy. But he couldn’t care less. The rowdy atmosphere paled in contrast to the joy, thrill and satisfaction that he saw in his children’s faces. It was like their first time in the arcade….well it is for Abby. While he reminisced the time when Luke and Nikki went to the arcade for the very first time, Richard got butterflies in his stomach as he felt how it is to be connected to his kids and be a father to them once again.

He was in cloud 9, too elated he wanted to shout it out and share it with someone, and the very first person who came to his mind was Maya. Why not? Richard asked himself in silence. It shouldn’t be any other person. After all, she is the very reason for all of these. Now I know why she is addicting, she gives you a natural high.

Richard checked the time and it was almost 3:00 o’clock. He approached his kids who were having fun playing air hockey.

Richard: I don’t want to put down the fun spirits that you have right now, but it’s almost 3 o’clock. I just don’t want you getting too excited and tired because either you might have difficulty sleeping later or getting up tomorrow for your first day in school.

Luke: It’s okay Dad, marami pa naming next time, right?

Richard: Yes of course.

Nikki: Awwwwww, it’s okay baby, may next time pa naman. But Dad, can we have ice cream first? You like ice cream, right baby? Abby nods smiling.

Richard: All right, we’ll have ice cream first.

It was nearly 4:30 in the afternoon when they reached the mansion, and the kids excitedly looked for Maya. They were so eager to see her and tell her the day’s events. Richard was eager himself.

While the kids went up to their rooms to change into house clothes, Richard went to his home office and checked on his emails. Every now and then, he glanced at his cellphone and got more anxious when he saw no text messages or calls coming in from Maya. He sent her another message.

Richard’s Text: Are you still in Valley Golf? Are you in the middle of your client meeting, can I call you?

After 30 minutes, Richard was getting impatient. So, Richard decided to call her, but Maya was not picking up which infuriated him. Damn it! Why is she not picking up! Richard screamed inside. He starts to compose another message for Maya and it was at this time that the kids were noisily running down the stairs.

Richard:Kids! NO running down the stairs!! And what’s the noise all about?!

The kids were startled at their Dad. A while ago, he was just so cool and calm, and now he is in tiger mode – so irritated and enraged. The children looked at each other and just shrugged their shoulders.

Richard’s Text: Maya, it’s already past 6 in the evening and you’re still not home yet. You’re not texting back. And why are you not answering my calls?

Worried that they will catch the ire of their father, Luke, Nikki and Abby quietly sat on the sofa, and patiently waited for Maya’s arrival.

Nikki: (whispering) Okay Kuya, whatever. I just hope Tita Maya comes home soon. I know she can calm Dad down.

After about 20 long minutes, the kids heard the faint sound of a car door closing and Maya’s voice saying good bye to Emman. On the other hand, Richard was so absorbed with his frustration and anger, he did not even notice the sound of the service gate being bolted.

Nikki: (whispering) Oh my gee Kuya! That’s Tita Maya na!

Tita Maya! Luke and Nikki shrieked as Maya entered the main door. Nikki and Abby hurriedly ran to Maya and hugged her right away while Luke trailed behind feeling relieved.

Dinner was wonderful. Richard was contented just seeing Maya with them at the table. He noticed though, that Luke and Nikki were both quiet and seemed to be holding back, so he excused himself under the pretext that he has to answer important e-mails. The barrier is still there. They still don’t feel comfortable with me. I should not have scolded them earlier. Richard reminded himself in his thoughts.

Maya: Eh matagal ko na po gusto manuod ng show nya sa mga comedy bar. But because may restrictions, being the daughter of my parents, I could not simply go, baka makasama kina Papa. This concert is the only chance for me to see him. Nakakatawa kaya sha.

Richard: Okay, then bring Doris or Sabel with you.

Maya: I only have 2 tickets, kawawa naman yung isang maiiwan.

Richard: I’m sure you’ll come up with something. It’s only Sunday today and I’m sure you have a lot of friends.

That’s because I live in your house so I see how you are and who you really are, no inhibitions whatsoever. Ikaw na ikaw. The girls that you date don’t have that privilege. Eh for sure hindi ka pa nila nakita mag tiger mode, or mag transform to incredible hulk, or matawa sa silly jokes, or makita how you are as a father and as a boss.

Maya: No and yes. No, because you’re smart and you can carry a conversation well. Masarap kausap kasi maraming pwedeng pag-usapan. Yes kasi corny ka. Sobrang smart at serious, nakaka bore din naman. You seemed not to know how to have fun.

Sir Chief, I have not seen you do anything else in this house except stay in your home office, busy with your laptop and some folders. Ang laki ng pool nyo, may basketball court, ni minsan hindi kita nakita gamitin mga yun. You do not have any recreational activities! Do you even watch movies? Or listen to music?

Sir Chief, connect these 9 dots in 4 strokes but without lifting the pencil. That is the only rule.

Richard: Yun lang?

Maya: Yes, but you have to answer it within 1 minute only.

Richard: And what’s in it for me?

Maya: Kala ko po ba you can be fun? Eh di, for fun lang po.

Richard: For fun lang?

Maya: O sige po, if you fail to answer it correctly, I win and I get a prize from you.

Richard: And that would be?

Maya: Aha! Sasamahan nyo po ako manuod ng concert ni Vice Ganda!

Richard: What?! Iba na lang.

Maya: See, corny kayo, hindi pa nga sumasagot, iniisip na matatalo na when it should be easy for you because you’re an engineer and very smart at that.

Richard: Okay, fine! If you win, sasamahan kita sa concert sa Thursday. Eh what if I win? Do I get a prize too?

Maya: Of course. Ililibre ko kayo.

Richard: Really? Saan naman?

Maya: Sa concert ni Vice Ganda!

Richard: Hahaha! You’re really silly Maya. Either way, para na rin akong natalo. But it’s fine, this is just for fun anyway and I’ll show you that I can be fun too.

Maya: Talaga? Sige, sagutan nyo na, and your 1 minute starts……NOW!

Even if it was just for fun, and while he knows that it is a lose-lose situation with Maya’s challenge vis-à-vis the prize at stake, Richard concentrates. He tries several times but couldn’t get the answer right.

Maya: Awat na po Sir Chief lampas na po sa 1 minute. Hahaha I win!

Richard: I don’t think there is an answer for that.

Maya: Meron po. And FYI, I got it right when the challenge was given to me.

Richard: I don’t believe you.

Maya: I’ll show you how, ganito po oh. Start here.

Richard: But you did not say I could extend it.

Maya: Precisely. I just said connect the 9 dots in 4 strokes without lifting the pencil. No other rule was given. So it only proved my point.

Richard: And that is?

Maya: That you refuse to go outside the box, your comfort zone, hesitant to try new things or switch to the unconventional.

Richard: But I’m going with you on Thursday. That is definitely something new and different from my usual thing, outside my comfort zone. That should negate your point.

Richard: Maya, hindi ako napipilitan. May palabra de honor ako. Besides, that is nothing compared to what you’ve done for me.

Maya: Nothing compared to what I have done for you?

Richard: Think of it as an act of gratitude for helping me reach out to the kids. Probably for the nth time Maya, you effortlessly did it again. What we had today sa church, kay Alex and sa mall…..they’re priceless. Today happened because of you.

Ayyieeeee! Matutuloy ako sa concert! Maya was so happy she hugged Richard’s upper left arm and rested her head on it. Weeeeeeeeeee! I’m so happy! Thank you Sir Chief! Maya raised her head to look at Richard and realized what she was doing with his upperarm.

Richard: Okay, so let’s call it a night. Richard stood up holding his coffee cup and grabbed the coffee cup of Maya, who was already holding her coffee cup. Richard smiled at the sight of their hands together.

Calendar of Posts

Categories

Categories

Archives

Archives

Advertisements

Think before you copy.

It's perfectly fine to like, share, favourite or bookmark - but copying the stories and posting them as your own is not.
The stories posted on this site belong solely to the author indicated. It is with their permission that we post them.